Cahill says e-mails are evidence of conspiracy

These are statements and allegations contained in Tim Cahill’s request for an injunction against former managers of his campaign for governor.

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Oct. 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 8, 2010 at 8:12 AM

Posted Oct. 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 8, 2010 at 8:12 AM

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These are statements and allegations contained in Tim Cahill’s request for an injunction against former managers of his campaign for governor.

MARCH 2, 2010

Tim Cahill signs contract with Strategic National Campaign Management of Grand Rapids, Mich., to essentially run his campaign. John Weaver and John Yob, principals in Strategic National, join the campaign as senior strategists. They hire Adam Meldrum to be campaign manager. Jason Zanetti, a Boston lawyer and lobbyist, suggested Strategic National to Cahill. Zanetti is a confidant of Paul Loscocco, Cahill’s running mate at the time.

“This has to be done in such a way as Paul’s future is protected and everyone else is fine.”

John Weaver, e-mail to Meldrum and Yob, 8:04 a.m.

“Paul will be given a substantive lifeline. Up to him to take it or not.”

Weaver e-mail to Meldrum, Yob, 12:01 p.m.

See Exhibit B

SEPT. 23/24

Weaver, Yob and Meldrum resign from the Cahill campaign.

“That neither of us would work for his opponents...”

Weaver e-mail to Meldrum about phone message he left for Cahill saying he and Yob would be departing unless there were major changes in campaign but wouldn’t work against him

See Exhibit C

“Adam, whatever you do doesn’t change how much I admire you. But, your short term future will be brighter by doing the right thing.’’

Weaver e-mail to campaign manager Meldrum on Sept. 23

Meldrum resigns the following day. He is later hired through the Republican Governors Association to work for a GOP candidate in New Mexico.

See Exhibit E

SEPT. 26

Cahill’s lawsuit contends that Weaver, Yob and Meldrum discuss with Zanetti, Loscocco’s confidant, how to “spin” Loscocco’s defection from the ticket and endorsement of Republican candidate for governor Charles Baker. Zanetti responds with an e-mailed plan, detailing timing and advantages for Baker.

Page 2 of 3 - “I think Paul will be credited with putting Baker ahead of Patrick in the next poll and hopefully on election day.”

Zanetti e-mail to Weaver, Yob

See Exhibit F

OCT. 1

Loscocco resigns from the Cahill campaign and appears with Baker to endorse him for governor. Loscocco had called Baker the evening before to tell Baker of his plans. He had not told Cahill he was jumping ship. Baker says he told Loscocco he had to tell Cahill.

“The deed is done.”

John Yob e-mail at 9:31 a.m. to Meldrum and Jordan Gehrke, another former Cahill strategist brought in by Strategic National

See Exhibit G

OCT. 3

Zanetti tells Weaver, Yob and Meldrum he had talked that day with Baker’s campaign manager, Tim O’Brien.

“I spoke with Tim OBrien just now. He wants to let the Paul (Loscocco) story die on the vine...

“However, the Baker folks would really appreciate any ‘hard evidence’ e-mails/documents that shows improprieties. .. Adam (Meldrum) and I just spoke and he has some stuff. I think we should give them everything we have.

“Also, I know there were lots of state employees doing political stuff when they shouldn’t have been but we’d need proof.”

Jason Zanetti e-mail to Weaver, Yob and Meldrum at 12:23 p.m.

“Can we give them the stuff Adam has?”

Zanetti e-mail to Weaver, Yob and Meldrum at 1:25 p.m

“Let’s see it.”

Weaver e-mail to Zanetti at 1:29 p.m.

See Exhibit H

OCT. 4

Meldrum is hired to work in a Republican campaign in New Mexico. That same day, Weaver tells Meldrum to be in touch with Dennise Casey of the Republican Governors Association about “e-mails and other things you have re: cahill and coordination with lottery and ties to (Democratic Gov. Deval) patrick.” That e-mail comes shortly after the executive director of the Republican Governors Association, Nick Ayers, tells Weaver to have Meldrum work directly with Casey “so I don’t slow things down.”

“Adam, this pertains to the e-mails and other things you have re: cahill and coordination with lottery and ties to patrick...pls e-mail Dennise and follow through. thanks. jw”

Page 3 of 3 - E-mail from Weaver to Meldrum

See Exhibit I

OCT. 5

A campaign consultant still working on the Cahill campaign e-mails Meldrum saying he would sue Meldrum if he uses against Cahill any information Meldrum got while working for the Cahill campaign.

Meldrum sends the e-mail to Weaver who sends it to Ayers at the Republican Governors Association.

“If you have any information you gained while in Tim’s employ against him now I’ll personally finance the law suit. Feel free to pass this to the scumbags you’re unfortunately aligned with.”

Dane Strother e-mail to Meldrum

“what idiots. He was an at will employer. Can we use this e-mail?”

Ayers’ response to Weaver after Weaver forwarded to him Strother’s e-mail

“F--- him.”

Weaver’s response to Meldrum about Strother’s e-mail. Sent at 1:47 a.m. the following morning